I just wanted to clarify something. How come the the bottom battery will have less punch? Its still rated at 9.6V even though battery life is shorter. Thanks.

The battery in the first picture I listed is a 9.6v battery created out of SUBC cells, the battery in the second picture is a 9.6v battery made from 2/3A cells. I do not know how to really explain it but SUBC cells just pack more juice?

It is true that in the tri batt config it is essentially impossible to close your crane stock entirely.